Chapter 86

Two days had passed since Isabella and I were taken. The police had searched for Damian Slade, but he'd vanished again. His captured men refused to talk, leaving us with no leads.

Fear had become my constant companion. I couldn’t bear the thought of being targeted again—especially for something I had no part in.

"Mom, can I play video games?" Liam's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I'd busied myself with chores to keep my mind occupied. Folding laundry was my current distraction. Once done, I’d have nothing left to do.

"Sure. What time did Hunter say he’s coming?"

Those two were inseparable now. They did everything together, even at school. Their bond reminded me of the one Ethan, Sebastian, and Tristan had shared since childhood.

"Around three."

"Okay. I’ll make snacks for you both."

He kissed my cheek. "You’re the best."

Then he was gone, leaving me alone with my thoughts again. For days, my mind had been a storm of confusion—especially about Ethan.

He’d called a few times, but I’d handed the phone to Liam each time. I wasn’t ready to face him or his sudden change of heart.

His behavior these past months made no sense. How could I matter to him now after nine years of rejection? What had changed?

Nothing. I was still Sophia. The same woman whose love he’d pushed away.

If this shift had happened years ago, I would’ve leaped at the chance. But now? Too much had been said and done. Some wounds never fully heal. Words couldn’t be unsaid. Actions couldn’t be undone.

But isn’t this what you always wanted? a voice whispered. For him to see you, want you?

I couldn’t deny it. Once, I’d dreamed of Ethan craving me. But that fantasy belonged to a naive girl who believed in love’s power. The woman I was now knew better.

Love wasn’t enough. People you loved could shatter you. And some things, once broken, could never be fixed.

Falling for Ethan’s games would be foolish. He’d destroyed me once. I wouldn’t let it happen again.

Protecting my heart and being there for my children was my priority now. That had to be enough.

A knock at the door startled me. Glancing at the clock, I realized it was nearly three. I’d been lost in thought for over an hour.

Sighing, I stood. It was probably Hunter. I’d make their snacks, then take a much-needed nap.

Opening the door, I froze. Hunter stood there—with his father, Lucas.

"Hey," I greeted awkwardly after hugging Hunter.

He didn’t wait for an invitation, darting inside and up the stairs the moment we finished greeting each other.

Lucas and I stood in uncomfortable silence.

I hadn’t seen him since his last visit. Hunter came almost daily, and Liam sometimes went to their house, but Lucas had been avoiding me.

"Do you want to come in?" I asked, watching him shift uncertainly.

"Yeah, if you don’t mind."

I stepped aside. He hesitated before crossing the threshold.

Leading him to the kitchen, I gestured for him to sit while I prepared snacks.

"I heard what happened to you," he said after a pause. "Just wanted to make sure you’re okay."

News traveled fast in this city. Someone had leaked it, and by evening, Isabella and I were all over the news. No one knew I was a Prescott, and I preferred it that way. The scrutiny that name brought wasn’t something I was ready for.

"Uh—thanks," I replied, the awkwardness thickening.

"How’s the face?"

"Better."

The swelling had gone down, leaving only a dark bruise.

Silence settled between us. I wished he’d leave. Awkward situations made me sweat.

"I’m sorry," he said suddenly, his voice cutting through the tension.

"For what?"

"How I’ve treated you. It wasn’t fair. You’ve been nothing but kind to me and my son. I just..."

I stared, stunned. This wasn’t what I’d expected.

"You have to understand—I haven’t had the best experiences with women. Trusting them... it’s hard for me."

Realization dawned. "So it wasn’t because Hunter’s mother died. She hurt you."

The pain flickering across his face said it all. Whoever she was, she’d wrecked him—and still was. He was drowning in it.

"Yeah, but I don’t want to talk about it. It’s too fucking painful," he whispered, struggling to mask the agony.

My heart ached for him. Maybe because he looked so lost. Maybe because I saw myself in him. Either way, I wanted to help.

"I get it, Lucas. More than you know. So I’ll accept your apology—and offer you my friendship."

He eyed me doubtfully before nodding, albeit reluctantly.

I didn’t know much about him, but one thing was clear: he had no support system. He needed someone to pull him from the darkness.

Hadn’t that been me once? Amelia and Daniel had shown me there was more to life than pain.

"Friends?" I extended my hand.

"Friends." He gave a small smile.

As we shook hands, unease prickled in my chest. I didn’t sense danger from him—but something told me Lucas was here for a reason. He had secrets. And when they came out, everything would change.